The Purple of Life, scene 32

INT. CHURCH - LATER

Five DEACONS, one of whom is Steve, Andy’s neighbor, sit in a circle in the church. When Andy walks in to join them, they immediately halt their discussion. They all stare at Andy.

ANDY

You guys look serious. You must be talking about the fires. We may have to come up with an alternative location for Sunday’s services and Mike and Isa’s wedding.

STEVE

We’ll take care of that.

ANDY

I was thinking about asking the Methodist Church down on Lincoln to loan us out some space. They owe us from when they needed worship space during their construction.

STEVE

Andy, you’re going to need to step down as Pastor of this Parish. Immediately.

ANDY

What? Why?

STEVE

I think you know why.

DEACON #2

You need some help. And probably a lawyer.

STEVE

Diana called.

ANDY

Guys, I’m in love. I was just trying to get a date.

STEVE

Andy, leave it. And us. We can’t have you as a spiritual leader.

Andy looks around at the Deacon’s.

ANDY

You can’t just decide this. What about the congregation? What about Mike and Isa’s wedding?

STEVE

We’re acting on behalf of the congregation. You’ll have to work out wedding plans on your own, but my advice would be to recommend a substitute. Go with God.

Andy realizes the Deacon’s won’t back down.

ANDY

Okay. I guess that’s it, then.

STEVE

Get some help, Andy, and work on returning to the spiritual path.

Dejected and rejected, Andy leaves.

The Purple of Life, scene 31

EXT. COFFEE SHOP - AFTERNOON

Andy, waits with two coffees. He sits at a table on the patio, just as Diana always does.

Diana arrives. Andy stands and motions her over.

ANDY

I took the privilege of ordering you some.

DIANA

(distracted)

Thanks.

They sit.

ANDY

You really didn’t sound good over the phone.

DIANA

I’m kind of going through something right now.

ANDY

You’re one of my flock. I care for you, Diana. Let me help.

Diana cries.

DIANA

I’m so embarrassed, ashamed, mad, scared...confused.

ANDY

Why?

Diana pulls out the envelope from her purse.

DIANA

These were left at my front door this morning.

Andy takes the envelope, opens it and looks at the pictures.

DIANA (CONT'D)

They’re disturbing, yet I can’t keep from carrying them around with me. It’s like...at least if I have them in my possession I have some control over the situation.

ANDY

Any idea why they were sent? Was there a note?

DIANA

(whispering)

Yes.

ANDY

What?

DIANA

It said, "you will love me."

ANDY

You don’t have to be scared, Diana. I can help you.

DIANA

How? The police said there was nothing they could do unless it happened again and some evidence was left.

ANDY

(quietly)

You could love me.

DIANA

What?

Diana focuses on Andy.

ANDY

Diana, I’m so happy you agreed to meet me.

DIANA

What?

ANDY

You are fantastic.

DIANA

(disbelief)

No, no, no...

ANDY

I realized I needed to woo you and show you how much I cared.

DIANA

You’re sick.

ANDY

I am persistent.

DIANA

You’re so sick. Stay away from me.

Diana gets up and moves back. Andy stands and reaches out towards her.

ANDY

Diana, wait, you don’t understand.

DIANA

I don’t need to. You stay away from me.

ANDY

I know we’re meant to be together. I’ve watched you for years now. You’re my soul mate.

DIANA

I never want to see you again.

ANDY

Please -

DIANA

Stop! Just stop.

(cold)

You’re finished.

Diana quickly leaves. Andy watches her go, devastated.

The Purple of Life, scene 30

INT. OFFICE - DAY

Andy writes at his desk. He takes a break and looks out the window. The black smoke from the fire is even closer.

He picks up his office phone and dials.

ANDY

Hi, Diana? It’s Pastor Andy. I’m calling to see...are you alright, Diana? You sound strange.

(he listens)

I’m sorry to hear you aren’t feeling very well. Anything I can do? Bring you soup?

(he listens)

Okay, you just let me know. So, I was calling originally to confirm that you’d still be doing the flower arrangements for Mike and Isa’s wedding.

(he listens)

You will? Great. Okay, then...

(beat)

Diana, I’ve got to be honest. I need to see you. Please meet me at that coffee shop off of Ontario. It’s important.

(he listens)

Thank you. I’ve got a meeting with the Deacons later, but I can definitely see you then.

Andy hangs up. He takes a minute then a big smile breaks out over his face.

ANDY (CONT'D)

(excited)

Score! It’s a date!